Following the 1761 disaster, the central authority of the Peshwa significantly weakened. This vacuum allowed powerful regional sardars (chiefs) to assert their independence. The resulting internal rivalries, particularly between the houses of Scindia and Holkar, prevented the Marathas from presenting ...
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The transfer of power to the Peshwas transitioned the Maratha state from a centralized monarchy into a dynamic confederacy. By delegating authority to capable military commanders, the Peshwas incentivized them to conquer new territories in North and Central India. This ...
Chhatrapati Shahu I (reign 1707–1749) was the last Maratha ruler to enjoy full sovereign powers. Although he delegated administrative and military authority to the Peshwas, the power still rested with him. After his death, the power was completely formalized in ...
The Treaty of Mandsaur was signed in January 1818 between the British and the Holkars of Indore. Following their defeat at the Battle of Mahidpur, the Holkars were forced to cede significant territories, accept a British resident and give up ...
Bajirao I is widely considered the greatest exponent of guerrilla warfare after Shivaji. He refined Shivaji’s ‘Ganimi Kava’ (ambush tactics) by combining it with high-speed cavalry movements. His ability to bypass heavy enemy infantry and strike at supply lines allowed ...